A Polish study found that narcissism is positively associated with a tendency to become addicted to social media. What does this mean?
Narcissism is one of the major risk factors for social media addiction — scientists have known about it for a long time. However, most research to date overlooks its multidimensional nature. Two psychologists from the University of Gdansk set out to analyze four different aspects of narcissism—narcissistic admiration, community narcissism, rivalry, and sensitivity—to find out if and how they contribute to social media addiction.
The perfect version of my own self.
“Theoretical models and empirical studies of social media addiction highlight the role of predisposing factors for this disorder,” Julia Baltserowska and Artur Sawicki from the Institute of Psychology at the University of Gdansk say in an interview with PAP. - The most frequently mentioned predictors are: young age, gender (there are more women in the group of problem users), mental problems and some personality traits, such as impulsiveness or specifically narcissism - an interpreter.
- In our study, we proceeded from the fact that social networks provide an opportunity to strengthen one’s “I”, and sometimes even create its best or even ideal version. These platforms can satisfy the need for self-discovery and self-promotion. However, all social interactions take place online, which makes them a safe place for people who are insecure, sensitive to rejection, or convinced that they do not have the competence to establish satisfactory offline relationships. and individual differences.
On the one hand, the unlimited possibility of self-assertion and self-promotion, on the other hand, controlled self-presentation and the ability to avoid direct exposure in communication with others, make the use of social networking sites very enjoyable, as well as a convenient way to satisfy the narcissistic need for recognition, uniqueness or popularity. And because these tips are easy to get, don’t require too much effort or time, they can gradually reduce the range of other available ways to meet these vital needs, which can eventually lead to addiction.
What is social media addiction?
- According to Goodman, addiction is the process of engaging in activities that can be a source of pleasure or provide relief from inner suffering. This behavior is characterized by loss of control, coercion and continuation despite negative consequences, explains Julia Balcerovska. - Behavioral addictions are forms of disorders associated not with the use of psychoactive substances, but with the uncontrolled and forced performance of certain activities.
According to the latest World Health Organization classification, the subcategory of addiction disorders includes two activity addictions: gambling and gaming disorders. However, as the authors of the publication in question explain, this category has been “opened up” to some extent by the addition of a subcategory called “other specific disorders associated with addictive behavior”. “Some experts suggest including pornography, shopping and social media addiction in this group,” say researchers from the University of Gdansk.
As they explain, the latter phenomenon is an excessive concentration and motivation to access and use social networks, devote time and commitment to them, which in turn affects the deterioration of functioning in other areas of life: at work, school, in relationships with other people and negatively affects mental health and well-being.
Narcissism as a Trait, Not a Disorder
In terms of the magnitude of the phenomenon, the latest meta-analysis is based on data collected from almost 35,000 people. people from 32 countries showed that although the prevalence of compulsive use of social networking sites varies depending on the accepted diagnostic criteria, it can be estimated that it is about 5 percent. users are really addicted. Interestingly, cross-cultural comparisons have shown that in collectivistic countries (where collectivity and group membership are most important), the percentage of people at risk of addiction is twice as high (31%) as in individualistic countries (14%). that is, those where the individual is more important than the group.
The authors of the publication emphasize that their research is focused on narcissism as a personality trait, and not on narcissistic personality disorder. “Narcissism is a trait that we all exhibit to one degree or another, to a greater or lesser extent,” they say. - We assumed that the basis of narcissism is the so-called. “Grand Self”, that is, the conviction of a person, aware or not, that he or she is better than others; that he is more than that - they explain. The maintenance of this belief is served by various strategies aimed at strengthening or protecting this self.
Narcissism, understood in this way, has been broken down into primary factors or aspects for the purposes of this study. The authors identified and explored four of them: narcissistic admiration, community narcissism, narcissistic rivalry, and sensitive narcissism.
Narcissistic admiration and community narcissism are two aspects of self empowerment. In the first case, seeking to arouse admiration, it strengthens the “I” in the field of stimuli, relating, in particular, to talents, intelligence or earnings. In the second case, we are talking about the strengthening of the “I” in the community, i.e. through empathy, warmth and morality. - Although it may seem counterintuitive, displays of warmth or morality can be used for personal gain. (…) This, for example, is demonstrative behavior that should prove moral superiority, - Yulia Baltserovskaya explains.
The other two aspects - narcissistic rivalry and sensitive narcissism - are about protecting one’s self, while rivalry protects them by seeking to dominate or belittle someone else (questioning the uniqueness of this person), and sensitive narcissism is based on withdrawal, protecting from situations that threaten self-esteem.
Scientists from Gdansk announce the continuation of research
The researchers analyzed a study of three trials using multiple tools to measure narcissism. The results showed that narcissism is an important personality factor that increases the risk of dependence on social networking sites, and its individual aspects may independently predispose to addictive behavior.
The final conclusions of the researchers are as follows: “dependence on social networks may be the result of compensatory coping with deficits in social competencies or interpersonal sensitivity; addiction can also result from inadequate emotional regulation among people who are distrustful and hostile towards other people.” The team plans to continue research on this issue.
Source: Wprost
